Babys Almost Here

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As long as these nine months can seem, they go by -- in retrospect -- very fast. Make sure there is at least one picture of you when you are your most pregnant. After the baby is born it will be fun to look at as well as hard to remember. If nothing else, it will be great for the baby book.

Myths

1. You can't or shouldn't get your hair colored or permed. PHOOEY! Our contacts do not agree. Some women do report that permanents fail. However, it won't hurt anything (other than your pocketbook) to try a permanent. Note: Talk to your hair salon about this. Some don't charge if it fails.

2. You can't fly in an airplane. For the majority of women, this statement is ludicrous. Most doctors ask that their mothers-to-be stay closer to home in the last weeks and possibly months since there is always the chance that you could deliver early. If you have a trip planned, talk to your doctor.

3. If you use body creme everyday you will eliminate stretch marks. Although we advocate the use of body cream, more than likely you will still get some stretch marks while you are pregnant if you gain a large amount of weight. It is good to be moisturized and lubricated. It may reduce the deepness of the marks and help eliminate the itching that is often associated with it. If you do get stretch marks (some look like reddish streaks) while you are pregnant, take heart that most marks fade away or reduce after the birth of the baby.

4. Whatever weight you are going to gain is heridity. Nope. You may have an added tendency to gain depending on your genes, but as far as we can document, the rest is related to what you eat. Our advice is to really watch your weight in the first trimester. Additional poundage can creep up on you before you know it. Usually you won't begin to "show" until your fifth or sixth month. Don't eat your way there early. If you do, it'll be pure fat.

Don't forget:

GrandParent's Day September 7

Mood Changes

Have you ever heard it said that pregnant women are serene and contented? Are you, now that you are expecting? If you are, you are blessed and an exception to the norm.

Many pregnant women cry easily. Many go through a wide range of moods. And fast mood swings are not uncommon.

So, how do you handle your moods and keep your friends friendly? Simply share the truth of the situation with folks who offend you. "Labile" (pronounced lay'ble as in label) is the word that describes these quick mood changes. Say, "Im' sorry I bit your head off for offering me ice cram, but I'm really labile today." Your friend will understand. She may have already been through it herself.

Hormonal changes are the cause of these mood swings which will go away several months after childbirth. Some women experience them as late as three or four months after they have had a baby. As your body "gets back to normal" you will begin to feel like you felt before your pregnancy.